Elections and Electoral Approval

Financial

• Local Elections Campaign Financing Act

• Local Elections Campaign Financing

• Financial Disclosure Act

Provincial

• Community Charter – Part 4 (Public Participation and Council Accountability)

• Elections BC

• Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

• Interpretation Act

• Local Government Act: Part 3 – Electors and Elections

• Province of British Columbia Candidates Guide for Local Elections in British Columbia

• Resources for General Local Elections (Ministry of Municipal Affairs)

Candidate Information

• Local Government Election Bylaw No. 0248
• Procedure Bylaw No. 0150 (bylaw under review)
• Sign Bylaw No. 0250
• City of West Kelowna 2018 Budget

Past Election Results

• 2014 Local Government Election Results

Alternative Approval Process

BC's Community Charter allows local governments to use an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) to seek voter approval on a given item, most commonly in relation to long-term borrowing. An AAP is an alternative to a referendum which is costlier to taxpayers and involves a lengthier process. The AAP allows voters 30 days to submit an elector response form in opposition of the proposed action by the local government. If 10% or more of eligible voters submit forms in opposition, voter approval is not obtained and the AAP fails.

Referendum

A referendum is a popular vote used to obtain voter approval on a matter being proposed by a legislative body. Typically voters are presented with a single question on a matter in which the legislative body or the public initiative has the authority to act.

A referendum can be binding or non-binding depending on the matter at hand. If a referendum is binding, a government must carry out the decision of the electorate; if a referendum is non-binding, the government can take the ruling of the electorate into consideration in making its decision.

In British Columbia, a binding referendum must be held on a significant issue such as incorporation, certain bylaws and disposal of public assets. A non binding referendum can be held on important matters where a municipal council may be interested in knowing how a community stands on a particular issue and where the results may be helpful to elected officials looking to make a final decision on a pressing or polarizing issue.

Assent of the electors is obtained when a majority of valid votes are found to be in favour of the bylaw or question. If the bylaw or question fails to obtain the majority assent of the electors, then a local government must wait six months before it is permitted to hold another referendum on the same question or bylaw, provided that the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development approves.

Election Law

The Local Government Act, Chapter 323, Part 3 establishes the regulations for elections, electors, candidates and chief electoral officers. 

For further information see the City of West Kelowna Local Government Election Bylaw.